A Kaduna Magistrate Court has sentenced a 25-year-old labourer, Nura Abdullahi, to four years in prison for the possession and sale of marijuana, a substance deemed illegal in Nigeria.
The presiding magistrate, Ibrahim Emmanuel, handed down the sentence on Monday, following the examination of evidence presented against the accused by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
Abdullahi was arrested on June 5, 2021, by NDLEA operatives during a raid at his residence in Sabon Tasha, Kaduna State. During the search, they discovered 1.2 kg of marijuana in his possession, which he had allegedly intended to sell.
In his statement to the court, Abdullahi confessed to the crime, stating that he had been introduced to the trade by a friend he had met while working as a casual labourer. He explained that he had turned to the trade due to financial difficulties and lack of stable employment.
Reacting to the ruling, the NDLEA Kaduna State commander, Peter Obihirocha, lauded the decision of the court, stating that it would serve as a warning to others who engage in drug-related activities.
“Drug abuse has caused harm to so many individuals and the society at large, and we will not relent in our efforts to ensure that we put a stop to it,” Obihirocha said.
He added that his agency would continue to work with other law enforcement agencies in the state to track down and prosecute drug dealers and abusers.
The conviction of Abdullahi by the Kaduna Court is consistent with the stance of the Nigerian government against drug trafficking and abuse. In recent times, the country has witnessed an upsurge in drug-related crimes, with law enforcement agencies recording an increase in the number of drug seizures and arrests. The government has continued to intensify efforts in the fight against drug trafficking, especially in the northern region of the country, which is known to be a hub of drug trafficking and abuse.
It is important to note that drug abuse has been linked to mental health issues and suicide. Therefore, it is crucial for individuals who may be struggling with drug addiction to seek help from relevant authorities.
